MT. PLEASANT—A museum housed in one of Mt. Pleasant’s oldest and best-preserved pioneer-era homes is getting a makeover thanks to funding from the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area (MPNHA) and the generosity of local donors.
The Relic Home, which was built in 1872 and said to be the site where the peace treaty was signed ending the Blackhawk War between Mormon Settlers and local native tribes, is getting a restoration to its historic exterior in the form of a new paint job and other exterior improvements.
The MPNHA contributed $10,000 towards the restoration project, says MPNHA director, Monte Bona, and another $3,000 came from the Certified Local Government funding program. Finally, $8,500 came from independent donors and the Relic Home itself.
The exterior restoration project is being completed by Scott Griffin of Griffin Painting, an artist and contractor who has decades of experience in the field of restorative work on historic buildings.
“It’s a lot of sanding, spackling and bonding,” says Griffin, who was at the time growing his hair out to play Jacob Marley in a theatre version of the Christmas Carol. “We use expensive primers. The best we can get. Lots of grinding out to fix the old broken wood. It’s a lot of work. I have painted for 38 years.”
Griffin says the project will likely take more than six weeks—a stark contrast to the modern homes, which his company could paint two of in a single week.
The exterior restoration is part of an ongoing process to get the Relic Home fully restored that has spanned at least 10 years, says Tudy Standlee, Relic Home treasurer.
Standlee says the Relic Home hopes to restore the on-site cabins next, and they are very grateful for the funds raised for the project so far.
Utah historic preservation officer, Roger Roper, says the Relic Home is special because it has been so well taken care of over the years. Roper says it is his experience that buildings this well cared for last much longer than those that do not, thus preserving history for many years to come.
